Break out of your bubble.
Chicago is evolving fast—are you keeping up? IRL Chicago Tech is your chance to step beyond the familiar and dive into new corners of the city’s tech ecosystem. This in-person Quiet Cohort™ is designed for professionals who want to explore, connect, and expand their horizons in a guided, supportive environment.
Program Dates: March 18 - July 15, 2025
Core In-person Sessions - 5:00 PM until 7:30 PM CT on Tuesday, March 18, April 22, May 20, June 17, and July 8
Optional Virtual Supplements - Wednesdays, April 16 - May 14, 3-4pm CT
Drop-in Weekly Office Hours - Monday, 3-4pm CT
Pricing: $1,245 (or 5 monthly payments of $249/month)
Tech careers today can feel isolating—especially if you're working remotely, new to Chicago, changing jobs, or looking to expand beyond your current role or industry.
This five-month curated experience connects you with leaders and innovators through guided visits, structured discussions, and supplemental support—helping you break out of your bubble and into Chicago’s future.
Participants will explore healthcare, hard tech, life sciences, quantum, climate tech, consumer tech, and more. Each in-person session offers exclusive access to industry leaders, new neighborhoods, and insights into Chicago’s evolving tech landscape.
More than a program, IRL Chicago Tech is your gateway to deeper connections. You’ll build a strong peer network, rediscover the energy of in-person collaboration, and feel more rooted in Chicago’s dynamic tech community.
How It Works
🔹 Core Monthly Program – Five exclusive site visits to private spaces across the region for deep discussions.
🔹 Virtual Supplements – Five optional virtual sessions in April and May with Chicago tech leaders.
🔹 Ecosystem Homework – Expand your network by attending at least one additional tech gathering per month.
🔹 Drop-in Office Hours – Need advice? Join a virtual weekly session.
IRL Chicago Tech isn’t just about meeting people—it’s about finding your place in Chicago’s future.
Meet Some of Our Guest Speakers
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Schnaude Dorizan
Venture Acceleration Manager,
MATTER -
Adam Jackus
CEO, PRO Therapeutics
Founder & CEO, BioThera3 -
Dip Majumder
Founder & CEO,
Alpha Trend -
Ashley Nagle
Director, Business Development & Partnerships
Power -
Karl Putz
Associate Director, R&D
Discovery Partners Institute -
Tim Turner
Vice President Business Insights & Data Analytics,
Thresholds
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This program is ideal for:
Professionals wanting to broaden their tech exposure in a systematic way.
Telecommuters of all kinds based in Chicago who want to connect with the local tech scene.
Anyone seeking to build meaningful relationships within the city’s tech ecosystem.
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Local Ecosystem Knowledge: Discover Chicago’s key industries, companies, and resources.
Personalized Networking Opportunities: Attend curated tech events with fellow cohort members.
Professional and Community Connections: Build a robust support network to enhance your career and personal growth.
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The core program revolves around five in-person sessions, each lasting 2.5 hours. Sessions are held throughout the region in private locations, typically onsite at a growing company. In these sessions we will have:
Guest Speakers: Industry leaders share insights into Chicago’s most dynamic sectors in a casual setting.
Interactive Activities: Collaborative exercises to explore individual goals and challenges amongst the members of the cohort.
Additionally, the IRL Chicago Tech program is structured to help you go deeper into the parts of the ecosystem that you want to through:
Event Assignments: Monthly opportunities to attend tech events with other cohort members to gain firsthand experience in Chicago’s innovation ecosystem.
Supplemental Virtual Overviews: We have 5 virtual fireside chats you can join to learn more from local industrty leaders.
Weekly Drop-in Office Hours: Have a question or need some additional feedback, drop-in to a weekly chat.
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What sets IRL Chicago Tech apart?
A Quiet Cohort™ Experience:
Designed to create a private and supportive environment, this program brings together like-minded professionals for in-person, structured connections all happening in private locations across the region.Focus on Personal and Professional Growth:
Explore Chicago’s tech ecosystem while building meaningful relationships and rediscovering the energy of in-person collaboration.Tailored Experiences for Chicago Professionals:
Whether you’ve lived in Chicago for years or moved here during the pandemic, IRL Chicago Tech provides insights and connections that help you thrive in your career and community.Guided Exploration of Chicago:
From hard tech to life sciences, fintech to climate tech, you’ll explore the neighborhoods, hubs, and industries shaping Chicago’s innovation landscape.Light Dinners and Networking:
Enjoy meaningful conversations over curated meals, creating space to deepen connections with your cohort and invited industry leaders.
Quiet Cohorts from Intentional Gravity